The effect of organic and mineral fertilizers on biological activity of different genesis soils in long-term crop rotation trials was determined. Biological activity was diverse in the soils of different genesis and it activity correlated with some soil chemical properties. Organic and mineral fertilizers and their combinations more increased biological activity in the soil than only mineral fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers suppressed dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity (180 kg ha-1) with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. The relationship between the crops grown, their yield and enzyme activity and respiration intensity in the soil was investigated.

L’ostéoarthrose (OA) est une pathologie qui touche les articulations principalement chez les personnes âgées. Il devient capital de mieux cerner cette pathologie à cause des coûts économiques qu’elle engendre mais surtout à cause du vieillissement de la population. Cette maladie se caractérise par une dégradation du cartilage articulaire, une sclérose osseuse, une inflammation de la membrane synoviale ainsi que la présence d’ostéophytes. L’étiologie de cette pathologie est restée nébuleuse car la recherche sur la maladie touchait principalement le cartilage articulaire. Toutefois, le rôle clé de l’os sous-chondral dans l’OA est maintenant reconnu. L’obésité étant un facteur de risque de l’OA, nous avons émis l’hypothèse que la leptine, une adipocytokine clé dans l’obésité, joue un rôle important dans l’OA. En effet, la leptine modifie le phénotype des ostéoblastes (Ob) normaux humain et puisque les Ob OA humains ont un phénotype altéré, notre objectif était de déterminer le rôle potentiel de la leptine dans ces cellules. Pour ce faire, nous avons préparé des cultures primaires d’Ob issus de la plaque sous-chondral du plateau tibial de patients OA et d’individus normaux (N). L’expression de la leptine et de son récepteur actif (OB-Rb) ont été mesurées par RT-PCR en temps réel, et leur production a été mesurée par ELISA et immunobuvardage (IB). La prolifération des Ob OA a été déterminée par incorporation de BrdU. La phosphorylation de p42/44 MAPK dans les Ob OA a été déterminée par IB. Le phénotype des Ob fut déterminé par la mesure de l’activité de la phosphatase alcaline (ALP) et la sécrétion d’ostéocalcine (OC), en présence ou non de leptine. De plus, les effets des ARNs d’interférences (SiRNA) anti-leptine et anti OB-Rb sur le phénotype des Ob OA furent déterminés via leur impact sur l’activité de l’ALP et sur la sécrétion d’OC. L’effet dose-réponse de la leptine sur les expressions d’OB-Rb, du facteur de croissance TGF-1 ou encore sur sa propre expression furent déterminées par RT-PCR en temps réel. Pour terminer, la signalisation de la leptine a été étudiée en évaluant l’effet dose réponse de celle-ci sur la production des protéines JAK2 et STAT3 phosphorylées par IB. Les résultats obtenus ont montrés que les Ob OA expriment et produisent plus de leptine que les Ob N. Au niveau phénotypique, ces Ob OA possèdent une activité de l’ALP ainsi qu’une sécrétion d’OC plus importante que celles observées chez les Ob N. L’ajout d’anticorps inactivant l’interaction leptine et OB-Rb ou d’inhibiteurs chimiques comme tyrphostin ou piceatannol diminuèrent l’activité de l’ALP ainsi que la sécrétion d’OC dans les Ob OA. Par contre, l’ajout de leptine exogène aux Ob OA augmenta l’activité de l’ALP sans pour autant faire varier la sécrétion d’OC. La leptine à des doses de 1ng/ml à 10mg/ml stimula la prolifération des Ob OA ainsi que la phosphorylation de p42/44 MAPK. La leptine exogène diminua l’expression de TFG-1 tandis qu’elle stimula la phosphorylation de JAK2 et STAT3 ou encore sa propre expression de manière dose-dépendante. Cependant, l’expression d’OB-Rb diminua de manière dose-dépendante. Enfin, le traitement des Ob OA avec des Si leptine ou Si OB-Rb diminua l’activité d’ALP, la sécrétion d’OC, l’expression de la leptine, l’expression d’OB-RB ainsi que l’expression du facteur TGF-1. L’ensemble de ces données démontre que la leptine endogène des Ob OA est sous contrôle des facteurs de croissance et qu’elle contribue à maintenir le phénotype anormal de l’os sous-chondral OA. De plus, ceci suggère que la leptine serait un acteur important dans la régulation du remodelage osseux. / Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease which mainly affects the joints in the elderly. It becomes essential to better understand this disease because of the economic costs it brings, but mainly because of population aging. This disease is characterized by a deterioration of cartilage, bone sclerosis, inflammation of the synovial membrane and the presence of osteophytes. The knowledge of its etiology has remained incomplete because research on this disease focused mainly on the articular cartilage. However, the key role of subchondral bone in OA is now recognized. Obesity is a risk factor for OA, then we hypothesized that leptin, a key adipocytokine in obesity plays an important role in OA. Indeed, leptin alters the phenotype of osteoblasts (Ob) and human Ob has altered phenotype in OA patients, our objective was to determine the potential role of leptin in OA Ob. To do this, we prepared primary cultures of Ob from the sub-chondral plate of the tibial plateaus of OA patients and normal individuals (N). The expression of leptin and its receptor active (OB-Rb) were measured by RT-PCR in real time, and their production was measured by ELISA and western blot (WB). The proliferation of Ob OA was determined by BrdU incorporation. The phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK was evaluated by WB. The phenotype of Ob was determined by measuring the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the secretion of osteocalcin (OC), in the presence or absence of leptin. Moreover, the effects of small interference RNAs (siRNAs) anti-leptin and anti OB-Rb on the phenotype of OA Ob were determined through their impact on the activity of the ALP and the secretion of OC. The dose-response effect of 1eptin on its own expression or the expressions of OB-Rb, the growth factor TGF-β1 were determined by RT-PCR in real time. Finally, signalisation of leptin in OA Ob was studied by evaluating the dose-response effect of this on the production of JAK2 and STAT3 protein phosphorylated by WB. The results showed that the OA Ob express and produce more leptin than N. Moreover, these Ob OA have an activity of the ALP and a secretion OC higher than those observed in N Ob. The addition of antibodies inactivating interaction leptin and OB-Rb or chemical inhibitors such as tyrphostin or piceatannol diminished the activity of the ALP and the secretion of OC in OA Ob against by the addition of exogenous leptin to Ob OA increased the activity of the ALP without influencing the secretion of OC. Leptin at doses of 1ng/ml to 10mg/mL stimulated the proliferation of OA Ob and the phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK. Exogenous leptin decreased the expression of TGF-β1 while it stimulated the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 and expression of its own in dose-dependent manner. However, the expression of OB-Rb decreased in dose-dependent. Finally, the treatment of OA Ob with Si leptin or Si OB-Rb decreased activity of ALP, the secretion of OC, the leptin expression, expression of OB-Rb and the expression of TGF-β1 factor. All these data show that endogenous leptin Ob OA controls the growth factors and contributes to maintaining the abnormal phenotype of the subchondral bone OA. Moreover, this suggests that leptin is an important player in the regulation of bone remodelling

O propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de células pulpares humanas expostas ao TGFβ1 e ao aFGF, em cultura, nas seguintes concentrações: TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL e aFGF a 5ng/mL. Foi avaliada a morfologia celular, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina, através de ensaio com pNPP como substrato e a expressão das proteínas osteocalcina, sialoproteína óssea e sialofosfoproteína de dentina, através de RT-PCR. Após quatro dias, verificou-se que a média do número de nucléolos no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL foi significativamente maior que no grupo tratado com aFGF a 5ng/mL. A média da atividade da fosfatase alcalina no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL foi significativamente maior que no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL. Foi observada a expressão de osteocalcina em todas as células pulpares humanas que proliferaram em cultura. Entretanto, no grupo em que foi utilizado o aFGF a 5ng/mL houve diminuição da expressão da osteocalcina. A exposição dos fatores não induziu a expressão de componentes da matriz de dentina tais como BSP e DSPP. Sugere-se que as células expostas ao TGFβ1 1ng/mL foram estimuladas, apresentando uma maior atividade celular e as células expostas ao aFGF 5ng/mL foram inibidas, apresentando uma menor atividade celular. / The aim of the present work was to evaluate the behavior of human dental pulp cells exposed to TGFβ1 and aFGF in culture, at the following concentrations: TGFβ1 1ng/mL, TGFβ1 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 1ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 5ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/mL e aFGF 5ng/mL. We assessed the cellular morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity, using pNPP as substrate, and expression of osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, dentin sialophosphoprotein proteins by RT-PCR. After four days, the nucleolus media in the group treated with TGFβ1 1ng/mL was significantly higher than the group treated with aFGF 5ng/mL The alkaline phosphatase activity in the TGFβ1 1ng/mL treated group was significantly higher than the media observed in TGFβ1 5ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/m treated group. Osteocalcin expression was observed in all human dental pulp cell cultures. However, in the aFGF 5ng/mL treated group the osteocalcin expression decreased. The exposure to growth factors did not induced the expression of dentin matrix components such as BSP or DSPP. Our data suggest that the cells exposed to TGFβ1 1ng/mL were stimulated and had a higher cell activity, and that cells exposed to aFGF 5ng/mL were inhibited having a cell activity decrease.

O propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de células pulpares humanas expostas ao TGFβ1 e ao aFGF, em cultura, nas seguintes concentrações: TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL e aFGF a 5ng/mL. Foi avaliada a morfologia celular, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina, através de ensaio com pNPP como substrato e a expressão das proteínas osteocalcina, sialoproteína óssea e sialofosfoproteína de dentina, através de RT-PCR. Após quatro dias, verificou-se que a média do número de nucléolos no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL foi significativamente maior que no grupo tratado com aFGF a 5ng/mL. A média da atividade da fosfatase alcalina no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL foi significativamente maior que no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL. Foi observada a expressão de osteocalcina em todas as células pulpares humanas que proliferaram em cultura. Entretanto, no grupo em que foi utilizado o aFGF a 5ng/mL houve diminuição da expressão da osteocalcina. A exposição dos fatores não induziu a expressão de componentes da matriz de dentina tais como BSP e DSPP. Sugere-se que as células expostas ao TGFβ1 1ng/mL foram estimuladas, apresentando uma maior atividade celular e as células expostas ao aFGF 5ng/mL foram inibidas, apresentando uma menor atividade celular. / The aim of the present work was to evaluate the behavior of human dental pulp cells exposed to TGFβ1 and aFGF in culture, at the following concentrations: TGFβ1 1ng/mL, TGFβ1 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 1ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 5ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/mL e aFGF 5ng/mL. We assessed the cellular morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity, using pNPP as substrate, and expression of osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, dentin sialophosphoprotein proteins by RT-PCR. After four days, the nucleolus media in the group treated with TGFβ1 1ng/mL was significantly higher than the group treated with aFGF 5ng/mL The alkaline phosphatase activity in the TGFβ1 1ng/mL treated group was significantly higher than the media observed in TGFβ1 5ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/m treated group. Osteocalcin expression was observed in all human dental pulp cell cultures. However, in the aFGF 5ng/mL treated group the osteocalcin expression decreased. The exposure to growth factors did not induced the expression of dentin matrix components such as BSP or DSPP. Our data suggest that the cells exposed to TGFβ1 1ng/mL were stimulated and had a higher cell activity, and that cells exposed to aFGF 5ng/mL were inhibited having a cell activity decrease.

O propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de células pulpares humanas expostas ao TGFβ1 e ao aFGF, em cultura, nas seguintes concentrações: TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL e aFGF a 5ng/mL. Foi avaliada a morfologia celular, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina, através de ensaio com pNPP como substrato e a expressão das proteínas osteocalcina, sialoproteína óssea e sialofosfoproteína de dentina, através de RT-PCR. Após quatro dias, verificou-se que a média do número de nucléolos no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL foi significativamente maior que no grupo tratado com aFGF a 5ng/mL. A média da atividade da fosfatase alcalina no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 1ng/mL foi significativamente maior que no grupo tratado com TGFβ1 a 5ng/mL + aFGF a 5ng/mL. Foi observada a expressão de osteocalcina em todas as células pulpares humanas que proliferaram em cultura. Entretanto, no grupo em que foi utilizado o aFGF a 5ng/mL houve diminuição da expressão da osteocalcina. A exposição dos fatores não induziu a expressão de componentes da matriz de dentina tais como BSP e DSPP. Sugere-se que as células expostas ao TGFβ1 1ng/mL foram estimuladas, apresentando uma maior atividade celular e as células expostas ao aFGF 5ng/mL foram inibidas, apresentando uma menor atividade celular. / The aim of the present work was to evaluate the behavior of human dental pulp cells exposed to TGFβ1 and aFGF in culture, at the following concentrations: TGFβ1 1ng/mL, TGFβ1 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 1ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/mL, TGFβ1 5ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/mL e aFGF 5ng/mL. We assessed the cellular morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity, using pNPP as substrate, and expression of osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, dentin sialophosphoprotein proteins by RT-PCR. After four days, the nucleolus media in the group treated with TGFβ1 1ng/mL was significantly higher than the group treated with aFGF 5ng/mL The alkaline phosphatase activity in the TGFβ1 1ng/mL treated group was significantly higher than the media observed in TGFβ1 5ng/mL + aFGF 5ng/m treated group. Osteocalcin expression was observed in all human dental pulp cell cultures. However, in the aFGF 5ng/mL treated group the osteocalcin expression decreased. The exposure to growth factors did not induced the expression of dentin matrix components such as BSP or DSPP. Our data suggest that the cells exposed to TGFβ1 1ng/mL were stimulated and had a higher cell activity, and that cells exposed to aFGF 5ng/mL were inhibited having a cell activity decrease.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-11-07T10:55:53Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Mirian de Sylvio - 2009.pdf: 865608 bytes, checksum: bba24a89ef1938c31376520a3eff1e60 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-11-07T11:29:38Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Mirian de Sylvio - 2009.pdf: 865608 bytes, checksum: bba24a89ef1938c31376520a3eff1e60 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-11-07T11:29:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Mirian de Sylvio - 2009.pdf: 865608 bytes, checksum: bba24a89ef1938c31376520a3eff1e60 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-12-15 / Infection with Toxoplasma gondii occurs throughout the globe, with a prevalence of up to 90% in the population. The physiological changes caused by this parasite are well studied in immunocompromised individuals and in cases of congenital transmission. In immunocompetent individuals the infection is usually asymptomatic and little explored by researchers. Experimental studies follow the pattern of human studies, and there fow mention about the biochemical changes (liver and kidney metabolisms) in the host infected by T. gondii. This study aimed the quantification of hepatic and kidney alterations caused by acute infections by T. gondii (non cystogenic strain – RH) and by chronic infections (cystogenic strain – ME-49). The control group was formed by mice without infection, only submitted to saline stress. Several enzymes were measured in serum and peritoneal exudate of mice infected and control such as: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase, using an automated methodology. AST and ALT presented a significative difference in the serum of mice infected with RH strain when compared to controls indicating a destruction of liver cells. The peritoneal exudates did not present significative changes in relation to controls nor did the urea and creatinine levels. The séric lactate dehydrogenase showed gradual changes in all days of the infection in mice peritoneal exudates as early as this change was evident only in the fifth day of infection. All samples of the group infected with ME-49 strain showed changes in serum and peritoneal exudate during all days of analysis. Only ALT peritoneal exudates showed no change during all days of analysis. An increase in urea at all doses was observed, however, creatinine showed a change only within 120 days of infection. The LDH was altered in the serum in all days of analysis. In conclusion, the T. gondii infection may cause hepatic and kidney injuries either when caused by non-cystogenic as by cystogenic strains of the parasite. / A infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii ocorre em todo o mundo, com prevalência de até 90% na população conforme seus hábitos culturais e condições socioeconômicas. As alterações fisiopatológicas provocadas por este parasito são muito estudadas nos indivíduos imunocomprometidos, nos casos de transmissão congênita, e nos indivíduos imunocompetentes a infecção é, geralmente, assintomática e pouco explorada pelos pesquisadores. Experimentalmente, os estudos seguem o padrão dos estudos humanos, e há pouca referência sobre as alterações bioquímicas (hepáticas e renais) no hospedeiro infectado pelo T. gondii. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar as alterações hepáticas e renais causadas por esse parasito em camundongos na fase aguda, usando a cepa não cistogênica (RH), e na fase crônica, com a cepa cistogênica (ME-49), tendo como controles camundongos sem infecção, somente submetidos ao estresse de inoculação com salina. Foram dosadas no soro e no exsudato peritoneal dos camundongos infectados e controles os níveis das enzimas Aspartato aminotransferase (AST), Alanina aminotransferase (ALT), Gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), Fosfatase alcalina (FAL), desidrogenase lática (DHL) e dos seguintes compostos: uréia e creatinina, por metodologia automatizada. As enzimas AST e ALT apresentaram diferença significativa no soro de camundongos infectados com cepa RH, demonstraram alterações em relação aos controles indicando uma destruição das células hepáticas. No exsudato peritoneal não foram demonstradas alterações em relação aos controles. A uréia e creatinina dosadas não demonstraram alteração significativa. A enzima lactato desidrogenase sérica apresentou alterações gradativas em todos os dias de infecção do camundongo no soro, já no exsudato peritoneal essa alteração foi evidenciada somente no quinto dia da infecção, mostrando que com o aumento de parasitos e a destruição celular causada por esse, essa enzima presente em várias células é responsável por demonstrar aumentos consideráveis. Todas as amostras de soro analisadas do grupo infectado com a cepa ME-49 demonstraram alterações durante todo período de acompanhamento. Enquanto que no exsudato peritoneal não mostrou nenhuma alteração durante todo período analisado. Houve aumento crescente na uréia em todos os dias de analises, porém, a creatinina não apresentou nenhuma alteração. A LDH mostrou-se alterada no soro em todos os dias de analisado. Conclui-se que a infecção pelo T. gondii pode provocar alterações hepáticas e renais ao longo do curso de infecção, tanto em infecções com cepa cistogênica quanto com cepa não cistogênica.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o metabolismo ósseo de pacientes com proteinúria glomerular sem uso prévio de drogas que afetassem esse metabolismo. Dezessete pacientes foram estudados com biópsia óssea para análise histomorfométrica e fragmentos ósseos foram obtidos para cultura de célula (n=13) na qual nós avaliamos proliferação de osteoblasto. A comparação dos achados histomorfométricos a controles de literatura demonstrou uma diminuição da remodelação óssea e comprometimento de sua microarquitetura. Corroborando com esse resultado houve diminuição da proliferação dos osteoblastos dos pacientes quando comparados a controles (n=5) doadores de órgãos. Análise bioquímica revelou correlação negativa da 25(OH)D3 com a proteinúria e positiva com a proliferação dos osteoblastos em cultura / The objective of this study was to analyze bone metabolism in proteinuria glomerular patients not having previously used drugs affecting bone metabolism. Seventeen patients were studied with histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsies and bone fragments were obtained for cell culture (n = 13), in which we evaluated osteoblastic proliferation. Comparing patients to controls of literature indicate reduced bone remodeling and altered bone microarchitecture. In corroboration, mean osteoblast proliferation was lower in patient samples when compared with those for normal osteoblasts obtained from age-matched, gender-matched donor organs (n = 5). Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 correlated negatively with proteinuria and positively with osteoblast proliferation in culture

Une approche in situ et expérimentale sont menées en baie de Marseille. Des mesures simultanées de PB, de RB, de la phosphatase alcaline (phos) et de la protéase (prot) sont réalisées. Des gradients de températures (12-32°C) de ces 4 activités sont effectués. Les résultats montrent que 1) les températures optimales et les Q10 varient saisonnièrement, 2) le BGE ne diminue pas nécessairement lorsque la température augmente et 3) quelles que soit les conditions in situ, l'assemblage bactérien possède un BGE à la température in situ proche de sa température optimale. Des expériences d'enrichissements en PO4 et glucose incubées à température in situ et température in situ + 3°C montrent que la nature de l'interaction entre la température et les ressources est principalement synergétique. L'hypothèse d'un scénario supposant des changements relatifs de PB, prot et phos lors d'un changement de température suggère que les taux prot/PB et phos/PB diminuent lors d'un réchauffement et augmentent lors d'un refroidissement. Enfin, ces expériences témoignent que la température et la disponibilité du PO4 sont les principaux facteurs limitant les activités hétérotrophes. L'étude du mode d'apport de la MO (pulsé ou en continu) menée sur 4 cultures saisonnières montre que selon les conditions environnementales et le mode d'apport de la MO, l'AB, la PB et la RB varient significativement. Toutefois, l'AB, la PB, la RB et le BGE ne montrent pas de différences significatives entre les réservoirs d'ajouts pulsés et d'ajouts continus de MO suggérant des communautés bactériennes peu sensibles à la nature de la perturbation nutritionnelle alors que leurs activités en sont fortement dépendantes. / In this work, in situ and experimental approaches have been carried out in Marseilles' Bay. Simultaneous measurements of bacterial production (BP), bacterial respiration (BR), alkaline phosphatase activity (phos) and protease activity (prot) have been performed. Kinetic temperatures (12-32°C) of these 4 activities have been also conducted. The results demonstrate that i) the optimum temperature and Q10 values vary seasonally, ii) BGE value does not necessarily decrease with increasing temperature and iii) whatever the in situ conditions, the bacterial assemblage has a in situ temperature BGE value close to its optimal temperature. Enrichments experiments in PO4 and glucose incubated at in situ temperature and in situ temperature + 3°C allow to observe that the synergistic nature of the interaction between temperature and resources. The assumption of a scenario assuming that BP, prot and phos changes during a temperature change suggests that prot:BP and phos:BP ratios decrease with a warming and increase with a cooling. Finally, these experiments show that temperature and PO4 availability are the main factors controlling heterotrophic activities. The study on OM availability and associated timing (pulsed or continuous) conducted during 4 seasonal cultures demonstrates that at different seasons and according to the delivery mode of OM, BA, BP and BR are varying significantly. However, the BA, BP and the BR does not show significant differences between the tanks with pulse OM addition and continuous OM addition suggesting that predominant bacterial communities are insensitive to the nature of nutritional disturbance whereas bacterial activities are highly dependent.

This thesis focuses on testing and improving Ti-6Al-4V ELI biomaterials, which are currently one of the most used titanium alloys in biomedicine (predominantly in orthopaedics and dentistry), in cooperation with research institutions and private companies developing and producing such materials. The metallic samples were previously modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with use of electrolytes of a different composition to induce development of a homogeneous TiO2 layer on its surface. In vitro interactions of human osteoblast-like cell line Saos-2 with the surface of Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy samples are investigated. Initial cell attachment, spreading, morphology, cell population density, viability, calcium deposition and expression of selected osteogenic markers, e.g. collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, were evaluated on cultured cells. The cells behavior were then correlated with physicochemical properties of the material surface, such as its topography, roughness, wettability, surface layer chemical composition etc. The results are also compared with those obtained in cells cultured on control samples of untreated alloys as well as microscopic glass coverslips and bottom of standard polystyrene cell culture wells. The aim of this thesis is to select the most promising...

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures are an effective treatment option for immature teeth with infected necrotic pulps to allow for healing and potential continued root development, yet challenges to ideal treatment outcomes remain. Consistent development of root length and width of dentin remains a challenge, as does development of the pulp-dentin complex. Previous in vitro studies have assessed the role of different growth factors and bioactive molecules in combination with scaffolds to potentially facilitate continued development of the pulp-dentin complex using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is linked with osteoblast activity and the regulation of bone mass. Further, the Pyk2 inhibitor PF-4618433 (PF-46) has been shown in previous studies to enhance osteoblast activity and mineral deposition in vitro. However, whether Pyk2 targeting promotes the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs remains unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a Pyk2 inhibitor, PF-46, on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of human DPSCs. Materials and Methods: Human DPSCs were cultured in 24-well plates with α-MEM with 10% FBS, and containing 0 μM (vehicle control) or 0.1 μM, 0.3 μM, or 0.6 μM PF-46. Fresh media and treatments were replaced every 2-3 days. After 1 day incubation, cytotoxic effects were evaluated by using an MTS proliferation assay. After 4 days of treatment, direct cell counting was performed. To induce osteogenic differentiation, ascorbic acid and β-glycerol phosphate were added to the culture media and the DPSCs were cultured with PF-46 for 14 days. Then, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and mineral deposition assay were performed. Differences between treatment groups were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA followed by pair-wise tests conducted using Tukey’s multiple comparisons procedure with a 5% significance level. Results: The 0.6 μM PF-46 group had a significantly higher cell count, ALP activity and mineral deposition when compared to 0 μM PF-46. The 0.1 and 0.3 μM PF-46 groups also had significantly higher ALP activity compared to the 0 μM PF-46 group after 14 days of incubation. There was a general trend of increased differentiation and mineral deposition as the concentration of PF-46 increased from 0.1 μM to 0.6 μM. Conclusion: There was a general concentration-dependent increase in cell count, differentiation, and mineral deposition by human DPSCs as the concentration of PF-46 increased from 0 μM up to 0.6 μM, with the highest activity observed with 0.6 μM PF-46. Although further research is needed, these results suggest that strategies that target Pyk2 may potentially be used to improve the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs to aid endodontic regeneration.